Vince and I met at Tequila Cowboy during line dancing lessons and became fast friends. Our friendship grew from common interests and our love of antiques and estate sales. After months of phone and text correspondence, the spark began with Vince offering to pick up and deliver a beautiful Victorian couch to my home with his daughter, Brooke. He asked me to join them for dinner afterwards and that's when it all began...

From the beginning, Vince was always so kind with his words via text and in person. He ALWAYS made me feel like I was the most important person in his life despite the fact that we were friends. His attentive ways and caring heart fueled this underlying soulful attraction that kept growing deep within. He would message me daily (and still does!) first thing in the morning and before bed sending me notes of care and well wishes for a blessed day and a restful night. We would exchange messages about mindfulness, church, songs and lyrics, fantastic finds in estate sales, and more. We occasionally met for drinks, lunch, or dancing and then... I invited him over for an Easter meal with Tiana, Morgan, Jennifer, Dillon, Desaree, and Brianna and impressed him with my culinary skills :) Everyone wondered who this new person was at our holiday tradition and a memory that brought everyone to tears (of excitement, shock, and gut-wrenching laughter) was formed.

Following many months of trepidation and focus on self and family, Vince knew in his heart that I was the one following July 4. I was spending the day with my friend, Jennifer Hogan, in her new beautiful home in Grand Rapids. We caught up like we always do while basking in the backyard pool. Vince insisted that he wanted to drive all the way to Grand Rapids to meet me and take me out on a date which included tapas, dessert, a beautiful sunset walk across the bridge, and an evening of dancing. He told me how much he appreciated me giving him the space he needed, that he had fallen for me, and was ready to pursue this relationship and be more than just friends. He tells me that while he was on the lonesome drive from Lansing to Grand Rapids, he had a conversation in the car with God expressing that he was going to marry me!

Although our courtship hasn't been very long, it has never felt more right and perfect. I've never been one to do things the traditional way and it's always worked out for me! Who needs rules - there is no timetable or equation for success in life - it doesn't matter how long you've known someone, whether you've prepared enough, or checked all the boxes - life happens and you make the most of it and look for the positive aspects in everything. My parents were engaged in two weeks of knowing each other, married in six months, and will soon be celebrating their 50th anniversary! Like Vince, we come from similar molds - determined to fight against the odds, do what we need to do to 'make it happen,' are both highly resourceful, frugal, and positive at our core. I've always said - Vince is JUST LIKE ME - in male form! ;) Our only wish was that we crossed paths much earlier in life and at the same time wouldn't change a thing because we wouldn't have the beautiful children we have in our lives! We love you Tiana, Brandon, and Brooke!

My mother had just had surgery on her knee and Vince and I planned to visit her on her birthday (September 18th) as a surprise. We brought her cupcakes and sat down to chat about her recovery. Vince and I sat across the couch from my mom and dad and the conversation quickly turned into an interrogation of Vince - asking every possible thing about who he was as an individual, his children, his marriage and divorce, and much more. I listened intently to each direct question and the poignant response. I was so impressed with Vince's ability to be in the hot seat and answer each question with thoughtful reflection and care. He provided answers that 100% satisfied my parents in knowing that he would take care of my heart and be in it for the long haul. After about 20 minutes of questioning there was a long pause and out of nowhere my dad says... "so are you thinking of a spring or a fall wedding"?!? I about fell off my chair as my mom scolded him for being so presumptuous! My dad responded by saying... "well it's obvious they love each other and this is where it's heading...I've never seen her so happy"... my father further stated... "If Vince got down on his knee and asked me for her hand in marriage, I would say yes"... we all erupted in laughter as I corrected him in sharing that the guy does not get down on his knee to ask the FATHER for his daughter's hand in marriage, it's what he does when he asks me! Unbeknownst to me, Vince was planning to ask my dad for my hand in marriage prior to our trip to Stone Mountain, Georgia and felt that this couldn't have been a more perfect opportunity. As my mom and I glance at each other while we are all still laughing about what happened, Vince jumps down in front of my dad, drops to one knee, grabs his hand and makes the big ask!! My dad of course said yes and they embraced in a hug. Tears ran from all of our eyes as I couldn't believe what just happened although it was something I couldn't have been more excited to witness!

Vince had originally planned to propose to me on top of Stone Mountain and decided that he wanted to be able to celebrate our proposal annually in Michigan. Vince had asked me what kind of ring I dreamt of and I simply told him 'unique, victorian, simple, elegant'... He found the perfect band on Pinterest and spent hours selecting the most perfect Leo diamond to match that is stunningly brilliant which was selected and ordered prior to our trip to Miami & Key West (which I did not know). I had never been on a wine tour and Vince wanted to take me to Traverse City to partake in this adventure that he planned. He simply told me to pack really nice clothes because we were going to all these posh venues and that he would take care of the rest. The week prior he had planned every detail - calling to make arrangements for his engagement plan with Bonobo Winery, picking up the ring, ordering a cake that said 'she said yes', picking up two dozen roses, balloons, a card, picnic items, and so much more! Vince is no stranger to romance and detail...everything he does is done with love. I woke up earlier than normal to drive to his house which caused a bit more anxiety for him b/c he wasn't ready! When I arrived, he quickly grabbed all my bags and placed them in the back seat. Unbeknownst to me, all of these items were stuffed ever so perfectly in the trunk - even the vase with water and flowers! On the drive to Traverse City, Vince was sharing such loving words and feelings with me and it was a beautiful embellishment to the amazing colors of Fall that we were driving through. Upon arrival in Traverse City, we stopped at a winery for some samples and asked about a tour - they responded that those have to be booked well in advance. C'est la vie and onto the next...we were having a good time. While I wasn't looking, Vince was messaging Amy at Bonobo notifying her that we were on our way. He had already sent her pictures of us, his car, and full detailed descriptions regarding his covert operation. When we got to the winery, Vince distracted me by asking me to grab a brochure in the corner while he slipped Amy his keys. When I returned he asked about a tour in which they responded 'sure, we can give you one now'... I personally was ecstatic because it seemed that tours had to be booked well in advance and I thought this was a special treat! We proceeded to the back patio, down the stairs, and to the vineyards. It was rather cold and chilly and Vince asked to have our picture taken - he secretly set the camera to video and then....https://www.youtube.com/watch?...